Phosphotriesterase: a complementary tool for the selective detection of two organophosphate insecticides: chlorpyrifos and chlorfenvinfos

Talanta. 2009 Mar 15;77(5):1627-31. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2008.09.050. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Abstract

This work shows the possibility of combining the high sensitivity of genetically-modified Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase (B394) with the ability of phosphotriesterase (PTE) to hydrolyse organophosphate compounds, in the aim of developing a biosensor selective to two insecticides of interest: chlorpyrifos and chlorfenvinfos. The studies clearly demonstrate that chlorfenvinfos is a substrate that acts as competitive inhibitor of PTE, therefore preventing the efficient hydrolysis of other pesticides, including chlorpyrifos. A bi-enzymatic sensor was designed by immobilizing both B394 and PTE in a polyvinylalcohol matrix. The sensor was shown to be able to discriminate between chlorpyrifos and chlorfenvinfos inhibitions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Chlorfenvinphos / analysis*
  • Chlorpyrifos / analysis*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / analysis
  • Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Insecticides / analysis*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / analysis
  • Phosphoric Triester Hydrolases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Insecticides
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Phosphoric Triester Hydrolases
  • Chlorfenvinphos
  • Chlorpyrifos